JP2017534041A - Apparatus for generating water droplets for air humidification and humidification system having such an apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

A humidifier (1) is shown in which water is sprayed by vibrations of a mesh with very small holes. The mesh is a part of the reservoir supplied by the valve device that directs water from the conduit through several water pipes in the device to the conduit or to the reservoir. By means of the device and a system comprising this type of device, a room-like compartment can be humidified and / or cooled with a very fine water mist that is hardly visually detectable. The system and apparatus are configured to be part of a permanent device that requires little care.

Description

  The present invention relates to an apparatus for generating water droplets, a method of operating such an apparatus, and a humidification system for a compartment using such an apparatus.

  There are known devices for air humidification by water evaporation. The use of finely atomized water droplets for air humidification that has been dispersed has also been considered (16. Status seminar “Forschen und Bauen im Texton von Energye und Umwelt”, September 2, 2010/3 Sun, Ch. Vogel, Dr. A. Grueniger, Dr. B. Wellig, "Ein behagliches Raumklima direk diadte diabate Raumluftbeeftung Mit Trofen (DART)". However, this concept has not been used in practical devices that are suitable for daily use. International Publication No. 2008/100077 (WO2008 / 100077A1) shows a built-in humidifier connected to a water pipe of a building. This humidifier uses a piezoceramic vibrator at the bottom of the reservoir to provide atomized water that rises from the reservoir and drains above the reservoir. To prevent germs when the humidifier is stopped and a predetermined amount of water remains in the reservoir, a dryer is suggested that removes the water in the reservoir. WO 2010/015124 (WO 2010/015124 A1) shows another humidifier having a reservoir, an ultrasonic transducer at the bottom of the reservoir, and a mist guide duct extending upward from the reservoir. US Patent Application Publication No. 2002/0163090 (US2002 / 0163090A1) and Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2006-292249 similarly show humidifiers.

  The problem to be solved by the present invention is therefore to provide an improved humidifier, which is not particularly costly and energy efficient and sanitary unsafe and highly humidifies rooms or other compartments. Provided with small drops of water, this humidifier is configured for permanent installation in cabinets such as rooms and other compartments and is suitable for daily use due to its long installation life cycle.

  This problem is solved by the device and system according to the invention.

  The apparatus includes a through duct having an inflow connector and an outflow connector for connection to a water conduit, and a valve apparatus having a water supply pipe connected to the duct and a reservoir of the apparatus. The reservoir is closed on one side by the perforated membrane or mesh of the drop generator of the device, respectively, and the mesh is present in the reservoir on one side of the mesh. When the drop generator mesh vibrates, the mesh that forms the drop outlet of the device emits drops from the other side of the mesh, and the device includes a valve device and a drop generator. A control unit for controlling is further provided.

  This type of device has a mesh drop generator in combination with a through duct with an inlet and outlet to the reservoir and a controlled valve device, so that this type of device can be installed in a compartment, in particular a room wall or roof When done, it is clear that the device can reliably avoid water leaks and reliably avoid an amount of residual water that can cause sanitary problems. When used in a system for humidification or adiabatic cooling of some compartments such as a room or cabinet or terrarium, it comprises a closed ring conduit that leads to several compartments, this kind of device is controlled and Allows safe humidification of compartments. The device is connected in series to the water pipe and is configured to discharge drops into each of the compartments. At least one humidification sensor and in particular one humidification sensor per compartment allows control of one or more devices.

  In a preferred embodiment, the reservoir is provided with a pressure equalization opening at a point spaced from the mesh and above the fill level of the reservoir. This kind of opening allows passive over-pressure of the mesh to be avoided passively and therefore performs this function very reliably and independently of the valve control. Due to the overpressure of the mesh, water can fall off the mesh with large drops of water, which can be visually detected as water or can damage furniture or items in the compartment. The mesh itself can also be damaged by excessive pressure, reducing its life. The apparatus and system are improved in this respect by the preferred embodiment.

  In a further preferred embodiment, the device makes it possible to clean the water pipe, for this purpose is provided with a throttle in the duct, the valve device being connected to the duct at a point upstream of the duct before the throttle. , A second water pipe connected to the duct at a point downstream of the duct behind the throttle, and a third water pipe connected to the reservoir, the valve device being controllable by the control unit Yes, at one position of the valve device, the first water pipe and the second water pipe are connected in the valve device, the third water pipe is disconnected from the first and second water pipes, and the valve device In the second position, the third water pipe is connected to the duct. Cleaning the water pipes of the valve device ensures that hygienic hazards cannot always be caused by the device and system.

  It is further preferred that the device and in particular the valve device comprises a level detector configured to detect a predetermined filling level of water in the reservoir. This allows the amount of water in the reservoir to be controlled such that it is on the safe side with respect to the reservoir water pressure on the mesh, thus optimizing the life of the mesh. In a preferred embodiment, the level detector works with a first fill level electrode and a second fill level electrode to provide a measure of the conductivity of water in the reservoir. An additional filling level, in particular between an empty level and a full level, may be provided by a third electrode provided and arranged to detect further filling levels. The preferred embodiment uses a metal mesh or metallized mesh as the second fill level electrode. On the other hand, for complete control of the device and system, a low level sensor is provided to detect the zero level of water in the reservoir by means of sensor signals, in particular the low level detector comprises a mesh. Is preferred.

  In order to avoid any possibility of contamination of the water in the reservoir, in embodiments with overpressure openings, such openings have air permeable and particle impermeable closures, especially hydrophobic membranes. Provided. In a further preferred embodiment, the water pipe providing water from the valve device to the reservoir opens into the reservoir at a location where the mesh can be washed by the water entering the reservoir. Thereby, when the reservoir is filled, the washing water can remove bubbles that may exist on the mesh.

  A further aspect of the invention is a method of operating an apparatus according to claim 12. Thus, in response to a humidification request or a request for adiabatic cooling with water droplets, for example, by a sensor signal that sends a signal to the controller that the air in the compartment is below the humidity threshold, the reservoir is By controlling the device, it is filled to the filling level with water from the duct. After reaching the fill level, the valve device stops further water supply to the reservoir, and the valve device is continuously or periodically purified by water from the duct, and the water passes from the duct through the water pipe and is fed. The water pipe leads from the duct to the valve device, from which it returns to the duct, and water drops are generated from the water contained in the reservoir by driving the mesh to vibrate.

  After the reservoir water is completely exhausted, depending on whether there is an ongoing humidification request, either the fill and drop generation steps are repeated, or while the reservoir remains empty Only the purification of the water pipe and the valve device is continued.

  Other advantageous embodiments are described in the dependent claims and in the following description of preferred embodiments.

  From the following detailed description, the present invention is better understood and objects other than those set forth above will become apparent. This type of description refers to the accompanying drawings.

Fig. 4 schematically shows several compartments that are humidified or cooled by an apparatus, system and method according to the present invention. 1 schematically shows an embodiment of a device according to the invention.

  FIG. 1 shows four compartments. Such a compartment may be a room of a building, for example a work room or a living room. The compartment may be a food display shelf, terrarium, refrigerator or any other compartment that is humidified and / or cooled by adiabatic cooling, where humidification and / or cooling is a very fine mist of water drops, or in other words This can be achieved with nebulized water or atomized water.

  Of course, the number of compartments, for example the number of rooms, is not limited. As will be described later, only one section may be humidified, or a very large number of sections may be humidified. Other features of doors and windows and compartments are not shown to simplify the drawing. Shown is a conduit 20 from a water source and leading to all rooms to be humidified. The water can be tap water or, preferably, pure water that may be additionally treated with ozonation or UV light and / or treated with silver ions. The water flows in the conduit 20 in the arrow direction W.

  The humidifier 1 is placed in this conduit and connected in series with the conduit as described below with reference to FIG. 2 which shows an example for this type of device. Thus, each device 1 has an inlet connection for water entering from the conduit and an outlet connection for water exiting the device and returning to the conduit for series connection with the conduit. A power supply is also connected to each device. The power supply may be individual for each device or may be provided by a power supply cable 22 connected through the compartments as shown. Preferably, the supply voltage for the device is a low voltage, and since this low voltage is not dangerous, the cable in most countries is coupled to the water supply line. In addition to power supply, this type of cable 22 may include electrical control lines connected to the control devices of each device.

  A humidity sensor 35 is preferably present in each compartment. The sensor 35 may be connected to the control device of each device 1 wirelessly, as indicated by the arrow directed from the sensor 35 to the device 1 in one of the compartments. The connection may be a Bluetooth connection. Alternatively, the sensor may be electrically connected to the cable 22 and thus connected to the control device of the corresponding device 1 with a wire. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, the sensor 35 may be a part of the device 1. Preferably, each compartment has a sensor 35 connected to the device 1 in that same compartment. One sensor may be provided for two or more devices 1, and these two or more devices 1 may each respond to the same sensor signal or humidification request.

  Each device 1 has an outlet 12 for sprayed water. Instead of the term “sprayed”, the term “atomized” is used as well. The term “droplet” is used herein for very fine water droplets produced by vibrations of a mesh or membrane each having a microhole. This technique is particularly known from medical nebulizers for inhalation purposes. A mesh with a large number of very fine holes is provided. On one side of the mesh there is a liquid (just water in the present invention) and the holes are so fine that water does not pass through the stationary mesh. However, when the mesh vibrates at several kilohertz, fine water droplets pass through the mesh and exit to the other side of the mesh as a mist of water droplets having a very small size. Each of such perforated membranes or meshes, and piezoelectric vibration means and generators for providing vibration are known to those skilled in the art and are commercially available. The mesh, piezoelectric driver and generator circuit are not described in detail herein because these parts and their connections are known.

  FIG. 2 shows one of the devices 1 in greater detail schematically. The illustrated duct 2 allows water to pass through the device 1 from the duct or device inlet connector 3 to the duct or device outlet connector 4 respectively. The connector for connecting the device 1 and hence the duct 2 to the conduit 20 is simply schematically depicted by reference numerals 3 and 4. This can be a standard water pipe connector. Therefore, water enters the duct 2 through the connector 3 in the direction W under the pressure present in this conduit from the conduit 20, and the water exits the conduit 20 via the connector 4 from the duct. From the duct 2, the water pipe 6 is connected to the duct 2 at its opening 16 and leads to a valve device 5 schematically indicated by a simple box. The dashed lines indicate the different water flow directions provided by the valve device 5 and are described below. From the valve device 5, another water pipe 7 returns to the duct 2 and is connected to the duct 2 at an opening 17 there. The third water supply pipe 8 is connected to the reservoir 9 from the valve device 5. The valve device 5 is controlled by a control circuit of the device 1 called a control device 25. This can be a microcomputer based control circuit known to those skilled in the art. The control device 25 and other components of the device 1 that require power supply energy are supplied by the electrical wires 22 described above. If the outer control signal entering via the control line 22 ′ is processed, this is likewise done by the control device 25. Therefore, the control device can receive a signal from the sensor 35 or can receive such a sensor signal wirelessly as described above. In this case, the control device 25 is connected to a wireless receiver of the device 1 that is not illustrated in the present embodiment. The control device similarly controls the start and stop of the drop generator 10 including the mesh 11 that provides the drop outlet 12 of the apparatus 1.

  The mesh 11 forms part of the reservoir 9 so that the water contained in the reservoir is sprayed and exits the device 1 on the outlet side 12 of the mesh.

  The valve device 5 connects the water supply pipe 6 to the water supply pipe 8 and controls the valve device 5 via the control device 25 so as to shut off the water supply pipe 7, whereby the reservoir 9 is filled. Therefore, the water from the duct 2 supplied from the conduit 20 is filled in the reservoir 9. Preferably, the water pipe 8 is connected into the reservoir 9 in the vicinity of the mesh 11 so that the surface of the mesh is washed with water entering the reservoir via the water pipe 8. Filling is only allowed up to the top filling level F indicated by the dashed line in the figure. In order to avoid overfilling, at least one sensor is provided, which preferably comprises a lower electrode and an upper electrode so that reaching an upper filling level can be detected by resistance measurement. When water is present between the lower fill level electrode and the upper fill level electrode, the resistance measurement gives a lower value than without water connecting the electrodes. In the illustrated embodiment, the lower electrode may serve as a fill level electrode because it is provided at least in part by the electrically conductive mesh 11 itself. The upper electrode 15 is a metal part in the reservoir 9. Both electrodes 11, 15 are connected to a control device 25, which makes a resistance measurement and can therefore detect when the maximum filling level is reached. An intermediate electrode 18 may be provided as well. This electrode 18 is also used by the control device 25 to measure the resistance between the lower electrode 11 and the electrode 18.

  When the water reaches the maximum filling level F of the reservoir 9, the control device 25 controls the valve device 5 and disconnects the water pipe 8 from the water pipe 6, so that no further water enters the reservoir. The control device 25 then activates the drop generator 10 and vibrates the mesh 11 so that the water mist exits the device 1 at the outlet 12. Therefore, the air in each compartment is provided with very fine water droplets that evaporate in the air of the compartment. The compartment is therefore humidified and cooled. If the controller 25 still receives a message from the sensor 35 that the controller interprets as a signal that more humidification is required after the water in the reservoir 9 is completely used up, filling the reservoir May be repeated. The filled reservoir is then emptied by spraying its contents as well. If there is a suitable additional fill level detection by the intermediate electrode 18, the reservoir need not be completely emptied while the humidification request by the sensor 35 is detected by the controller 25. When the reservoir fill level reaches the electrode 18, the reservoir is already ready for filling. Therefore, as long as there is a humidification request, the reservoir 9 will not be emptied. Only after this type of request no longer exists is the reservoir completely emptied.

  When the reservoir is emptied and no further humidification is required, the reservoir is left empty with water until a new request for humidification is recognized by the controller 25. In this case, the reservoir is then filled and spraying is resumed. It is a preferred mode of operation of the device 1 that the reservoir 9 is kept empty when no actual humidification is required. In this way, there is little or no residual water in the reservoir 9, thus eliminating concerns about the hygienic characteristics of the water.

  When the reservoir is filled as described above, the control device 25 controls the valve device 5 and the water pipe 6 (which is no longer connected to the water pipe 8 and the reservoir respectively) is then connected to the water pipe 7. The water entering the water pipe 6, the valve device 5 and then the water pipe 7 exits the device via the duct 2 and flows into a conduit 20 connected to the outflow connector 4. This ensures that the water pipes 6, 7 and the valve device are always cleaned (except when the reservoir 9 is filled) by fresh water from the conduit 20 entering from the inflow connector 3. This also eliminates any concern for residual water that accumulates in the water pipes 6, 7 and the valve device. New requests for spraying while the reservoir was emptied by spraying its contents and when the device was "stopped" by the empty reservoir and triggered by a signal from sensor 35 While waiting, a stream of fresh water is generated. Of course, the main control device (not shown) may trigger the filling and spraying of the reservoir 9 as well, for example via signal lines 22 'connected to each device. This may be the case when the entire system with all devices 1 is activated for functional control.

  The reservoir 9 is preferably provided with a pressure equalization opening 19 which is spaced apart from the mesh 11 and above the maximum filling level in the reservoir. This opening 19 protects the mesh 11 from overpressure during filling and always prevents the reservoir water pressure from becoming too high. The opening 19 may be closed by an air-permeable and particle-impermeable closure, in particular by a hydrophobic membrane, so that any contamination of the reservoir can be avoided.

  The duct 2 is preferably provided with a throttle 23, and there is always a flow through the water pipes 6, 7 and the valve device when and during the connection of the water pipes 6 and 7 bypassing the duct 2 Make sure. The throttle can be formed by any throttling means known to those skilled in the art, for example by the part of the duct 2 having a smaller diameter.

  The reservoir 9 is shaped such that all the water contained in the reservoir is sprayed. Depending on whether the device is mounted on the compartment wall or on the ceiling, the reservoir may have a different shape to ensure that the reservoir is completely emptied. Next, depending on the installation, there are two types of devices that must be selected by the person installing it. Regardless of the location of the wall or ceiling, it is possible and preferred to mold the reservoir so that the mesh is at the lowest level. This type of reservoir is preferably shown schematically in FIG. The reservoir 9 can also be provided with two meshes at different locations, so that the different meshes operate according to the mounting position of the device.

  In this way, a humidifier is shown in which water is sprayed by vibrations of a mesh with very small holes. The mesh is a part of the reservoir supplied by the valve device, which can return water from the conduit through several water pipes in the device to the conduit or to the reservoir. With a device and a system comprising this type of device, a room-like compartment can be humidified and / or cooled by a very fine water mist that is hardly visually detectable. The system and apparatus are configured to be part of a permanent device that requires little care.

  While preferred embodiments of the invention have been illustrated and described, it is to be understood that the invention is not so limited and may be practiced and implemented in various ways within the scope of the following claims.

Claims (15)

A device (1) for generating water droplets, the device (1) comprising:
A through duct (2) having an inflow connector (3) and an outflow connector (4) for connection to a water conduit;
A valve device (5) having a water pipe (6, 7, 8) connected to the duct (2) and the reservoir (9) of the device (1);
With
The valve device is provided to fill the reservoir (9) to a predetermined filling level;
The reservoir (9) is closed on one side by a perforated mesh (11) of the drop generator (10) of the device (1),
The mesh is configured to be covered by water present in the reservoir on one side of the mesh;
When the mesh of the drop generator vibrates, the mesh forming the water drop outlet (12) of the device (1) emits drops from the other side of the mesh;
The device (1) further comprises a control unit (25) for controlling the valve device (5) and the drop generator (10),
Device (1). The reservoir is provided with a pressure equalization opening (19) at a point spaced from the mesh and above the filling level of the reservoir,
Device (1) according to claim 1. The duct (2) includes a throttle (23),
In the valve device,
A first water pipe (6) connected to the duct (2) at a point (16) upstream of the duct (2) before the throttle, and a point downstream of the duct (2) behind the throttle A second water pipe (7) connected to the duct in (17) and a third water pipe (8) connected to the reservoir (9);
The valve device can be controlled by the control unit (25),
The valve device (5) connects the first water supply pipe (6) and the second water supply pipe (7) to each other at one position of the valve device. 3 water pipes (8) are disconnected from the first and second water pipes;
In particular, by connecting the first water supply pipe (6) and the third water supply pipe (8) by the valve device (5), the third water supply pipe at the second position of the valve device. Connecting the water pipe (8) and hence the reservoir (9) to the duct (2);
Device (1) according to claim 1 or 2. Comprising level detectors (15, 25) configured to detect the predetermined filling level of water in the reservoir;
Device (1) according to any of claims 1 to 3. The level detector comprises a first fill level electrode and a second fill level electrode to provide a measure of the conductivity of water in the reservoir;
Device (1) according to claim 4. The level detector comprises a third electrode (18) provided and arranged to detect further filling levels.
Device (1) according to claim 5. The second fill level electrode is provided by the mesh (11) itself,
Device (1) according to claim 5 or 6. A low level sensor is provided for detecting a zero level of water in the reservoir by means of a sensor signal;
In particular, the low level detector comprises the mesh (11),
Device (1) according to any of the preceding claims. The pressure equalization opening (19) is provided with an air permeable and particle impermeable closure, in particular a hydrophobic membrane,
Device (1) according to any of claims 2 to 8. When the device (1) is attached, the reservoir (1) has a reservoir shape and the said function so that the device (1) functions by its attachment leading to a horizontal mesh position and by its attachment leading to a vertical mesh position. A remesh position in the reservoir is provided,
Device (1) according to any of the preceding claims. The water pipe (8) leading from the valve device to the reservoir terminates at the position of the reservoir that directs the water so that water entering the reservoir cleans the face of the mesh in the reservoir;
Device (1) according to any of the preceding claims. A method of operating the device (1) according to any of claims 1 to 11, comprising
In response to a humidification request, the reservoir (9) is filled to the filling level with water from the duct (2) by controlling the valve device (5),
After reaching the filling level, the valve device stops further water supply to the reservoir,
The valve device is continuously or periodically purified by water from the duct,
Water droplets are generated from the water contained in the reservoir by oscillating the mesh.
Method. The reservoir is refilled in response to ongoing humidification requirements,
In particular, the reservoir is refilled when the level of water in the reservoir reaches an additional low filling level detectable by an additional filling level electrode (18) disposed in the reservoir.
The method of claim 12. After the water in the reservoir is completely used up, only purification is continued while the reservoir remains empty when there is no longer a humidification request.
The method of claim 13. A system for humidification or adiabatic cooling of several compartments (30-33), such as a room or cabinet or terrarium, said system comprising:
A water conduit (20) connected to the several compartments;
Device (1) according to any of the preceding claims, connected in series to the water conduit (20) and configured to discharge drops into each of the compartments;
With
Said device (1) comprises at least one humidification sensor (35), in particular one humidification sensor (35) per compartment,
The humidification sensor (35) controls one or more devices (1) by sending its signal to a corresponding control device of the device (1).
system.

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